Impact

Entrepreneur Fund Receives $9 Million Gift from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

Unrestricted gift will enable the Entrepreneur Fund to strengthen small businesses across Minnesota & Wisconsin.

Mission Progress Report: Amplifying Business Success in Our Region

In this three-year report, you'll discover how EFund is pioneering innovations on capital and dedicating time and resources to empower entrepreneurs and fortify our regional economy.

2024 Distinction Awards: A Night to Celebrate & Elevate Your Business

This unique event is designed to inspire, educate, connect, and, of course, celebrate the entrepreneurs who are a driving force behind our region's economic growth and success.

Women’s Business Alliance - North Recognized as SBA’s Minnesota Women’s Business Center of Excellence

The WBA North was chosen for its excellence and innovation in training and counseling for culturally and economically diverse women entrepreneurs and serving as a community champion for women-owned small businesses.

2023 Wisconsin Rural Equity Grant Program Impact

This program was a piece of a full expansion across northern Wisconsin to provide lending, services and programming aimed at assisting small businesses, particularly those underbanked and disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

EFund Expansion Sparks Economic Growth in Wisconsin: A Year In Review

Through low-interest loans, grant programs and strategic advising, our team invested $4.4 million in small business capital and supported 258 businesses in year one of our expansion into northern Wisconsin.

2023 Impact: Driving Change Through Our Mission

In 2023, we stayed true to our mission by providing accessible capital paired with strategic advising to 1,222 businesses across central Minnesota, northeastern Minnesota, and northern Wisconsin.

Distinction Awards Strengthen Small Business Connections and Celebrate Economic Contributions

With 250 business owners and community leaders in attendance, the event on October 25 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, highlighted business excellence while fostering connections and appreciation for the invaluable contributions of these entrepreneurs to the local economy.

Celebrate Regional Business Excellence at the Entrepreneur Fund’s Inaugural Distinction Awards

You’re invited to the Entrepreneur Fund’s inaugural Distinction Awards to celebrate and shine a spotlight on the regional businesses that exemplify business excellence and drive our regional economic growth.

Nominations open for grant opportunities for northern Wisconsin businesses

As part of the Entrepreneur Fund’s commitment to northern Wisconsin businesses, we are awarding 30-40 grants of up to $10,000 each through 2024 to businesses in the now 12 northern Wisconsin counties we serve.

Partnering for Success: How we work together to grow small businesses in our region

How does the Entrepreneur Fund fit into the economic development ecosystem of Minnesota and northern Wisconsin?

Shape the Future: Apply to Join the Entrepreneur Fund Board of Directors

We're seeking three dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. We are looking for people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives who are passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and creating strong and vibrant communities across our region. 

2023 Mid-Year Report: From Vision to Impact

Our impact is not merely measured in numbers, but in the transformative changes we have witnessed in the lives of entrepreneurs, their businesses, employees, and the communities they serve. We believe that our work can be a compass, guiding us toward positive impact every day.

EFund Doubles in Size & Grows Leadership to Best Serve the Region

The Entrepreneur Fund is actively expanding its capacity to further its leadership in fostering economic resiliency and economic mobility for the region.

EFund Awarded $6.5 Million to Support Small Business Stabilization and Growth

The Entrepreneur Fund has been awarded a total of $6.5 million by the U.S. Department of Treasury to advance our mission of partnering with entrepreneurs to create growing businesses, thriving communities, and a diverse regional economy.

Women's Business Alliance - Central awarded 2023 Minnesota Women's Business Center of the Year

The Women’s Business Alliance is a program of the Entrepreneur Fund and was chosen for its excellence and innovation in training, counseling culturally and economically diverse women entrepreneurs, and serving as a community champion for women-owned small businesses.

Get to Know Our Growing Wisconsin Team

The Entrepreneur Fund recently expanded to serve 12 additional counties in northern Wisconsin.

She Leads event inspires and encourages over 100 local women entrepreneurs

Over 100 women entrepreneurs from northern and central Minnesota gathered Thursday, April 13, in Baxter for a chance to present their business ideas, challenges and opportunities to area experts.

Entrepreneur Fund Expands Into Rural Wisconsin

Our expansion to northern Wisconsin is part of our ongoing mission to support the diversification of the rural regional economy.

From rural roots: Supporting rural entrepreneurship for over three decades

The Entrepreneur Fund was born out of a need to diversify industry on the Iron Range in the late 1980’s and early 90’s.

Fueling Vibrant & Resilient Communities Through Local Food Systems

As a CDFI, the Entrepreneur Fund plays an important role in strengthening local food systems to support communities of all shapes and sizes in rural Minnesota and Wisconsin. We do this through our ability to provide lending and advising services to clients.

Recognizing Our Region's Trailblazing Women Entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs in our region are creating exciting opportunities for themselves and for others. From tech startups to independent consulting firms, these trailblazers are proving that women are at the forefront of driving our regional economy. 

Helping Bridge the Racial Wealth Gap Through Entrepreneurship

By investing in minority-owned businesses and creating new opportunities for minority entrepreneurs, we can help to create economic opportunities for those who have been historically disadvantaged due to systemic racism.

Supporting the Growth of the Local Food System Through Specialized Loan Programs and Business Services

The Healthy Food Fund is a specialized loan fund with low rates and competitive terms for local grocery stores, convenience stores, and food producers looking to upgrade equipment, access working capital or purchase commercial real estate.

What is Our Secret Sauce for Small Business Growth?

Our secret sauce is what makes our organization and our client’s experience unique.

2022 Impact Snapshot: Evolving for Tomorrow

The past few years have required all of us to think, adapt and plan in new and innovative ways.

EFund staff conference refocuses on mission and impact

In January, the entire Entrepreneur Fund team took two days at Pier B Resort Hotel in Duluth to practice what we preach. We stepped away from the daily grind and we focused on each other and the EFund mission.

How to keep your business growing in 2023: Six tips from EFund CEO

Entrepreneur Fund CEO and President Shawn Wellnitz recently shared his expertise with Business North in their Directory 23 issue, which asked industry experts about their business predictions for 2023.

Annual survey provides insight into areas impacting Minnesota manufacturers

The annual survey of over 500 Minnesota manufacturing executives provides insight into the concerns and opportunities impacting manufacturers across the state.

EFund collaboration with UMD accounting class connects students with local businesses

Since 2019, Entrepreneur Fund has worked with the accounting class to connect students with our Duluth-area clients.

Touchstone Celebration recognizes Entrepreneur Fund for work with BIPOC entrepreneurs

On November 10, the Entrepreneur Fund and six fellow Northland nonprofit organizations were honored by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation during its Touchstone Celebration, which aired on WDIO.

EFund receives $8 million in grants to expand small business support in northern Wisconsin

Using a phased approach over the next three years, EFund will expand to12 additional Wisconsin counties and five tribal nations in Wisconsin, which encompasses the communities north of Highway 8.

WBD Investment Leads to Creation of a Local Small Business Investor Network

The Entrepreneur Fund and WBD are partnering to create a small business investor network that will accelerate region’s ability to provide meaningful support to our region’s entrepreneurs.

EFund Recognized as Minnesota's 2022 SBA Microlender of the Year

In 2021, EFund originated 132 SBA Microloans for a total of $4,100,000.

2021 Annual Report: Adapting to change, committing to growth

In 2021, small business owners sought support at a higher rate than in the past.

Introducing Stride, an Innovative Program Designed for BIPOC Entrepreneurs

Inaugural Mille Lacs Tribal Economy Summit asks how can we create an inclusive growing economy in rural Minnesota

New report examines entrepreneurship in Minnesota

Three areas impacting Minnesota manufacturers today

National Bank of Commerce Receives Inaugural Community Catalyst Award

Existing COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan Borrowers Receive Additional Deferment

Quality Jobs: Small businesses leading the way

Navigating Relief for Artists & Venues

Surviving the staffing shortage: A guide for small business employers

Our Prediction for 2021: Women-owned businesses elevating the Northland

Announcing the launch of the Cloquet Business Assistance Fund

The small business owner’s resilience to reimagine

Entrepreneur Fund Receives Grow With Google Small Business Fund Loan, Google.org Grant From OFN To Help Small Businesses Recover From COVID-19

LifeStone Health Care Awarded SBA's Minnesota Minority-Owned Small Business for 2020

ChaQuana McEntyre named 2020 SBA MN Minority Small Business Champion

The Entrepreneur Fund - Your Trusted Small Business Resource Amidst a Global Pandemic

Tackling the Community Child Care Shortage Through Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurial Life Coach Breaks the Cycle of Poverty in His Community

Transforming the Lincoln Park neighborhood one business at a time

Recognizing Hibbing, Minnesota's small business growth and success